Shaw says he takes responsibility for what happened, but he also says he doesn't think he was obstructing law enforcement.

The letter of apology was a requirement of Shaw's sentencing after he pleaded guilty last week to speeding and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. Prosecutors dropped a more serious charge of obstructing a police officer.

Shaw was pulled over June 5 for speeding. Authorities say he jumped from his vehicle and refused to obey the officer's commands, resulting in the officer drawing his gun and calling for backup.

Shaw was mayor of Rapid City for a total of eight years between 1997 and 2007.